Male infertility haunts many men
When a couple struggles to conceive, the blame quickly shifts to the woman.
Dr Thato Serebolo, a Gaborone-based Medical Practitioner, said in an interview with The Midweek Sun that there is a growing need to raise awareness about male infertility, especially because many men suffer in silence, unaware that help is available.
Medically, male infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy in a fertile female partner after at least 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
It usually relates to issues with the production, quality, or delivery of sperm. There are several underlying causes of male infertility.
These include low sperm count or absence of sperm (azoospermia), poor sperm motility, meaning sperm do not swim effectively, abnormal sperm shape (morphology), varicocele, an enlargement of veins in the scrotum, hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone, infections, including mumps and sexually transmitted diseases and genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome.
Dr Serebolo said in many cases, men experience no noticeable symptoms and only become aware of an issue when attempts to conceive are unsuccessful.
“Lifestyle factors can significantly affect male fertility. These include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are known to lower sperm count and quality”.
Stress can disrupt the hormones responsible for sperm production. Obesity, lack of exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides or excessive heat also reduce fertility.
Dr Serebolo indicated that although men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, fertility declines gradually with age. After 40 years, sperm quality decreases, and DNA fragmentation becomes more common.
This can lead to delayed conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or developmental issues in offspring. The emotional effects of infertility on men are often underestimated, since many men associate fertility with masculinity, and facing infertility can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, or depression.
Dr Serebolo highlighted that this emotional burden can strain relationships and personal wellbeing if left unaddressed.
“Open discussion and access to psychological support are vital. It is important for men to know that infertility is a medical condition not a personal failure.
Approaching infertility as a shared challenge helps protect the relationship and promotes emotional resilience”, Dr Serebolo said.
Dr Serebolo said when male infertility is a factor, the support of a loving partner can make all the difference. They can use coping strategies which include clear and honest communication, joint decision-making about treatment options, professional counselling, either individually or as a couple and explore alternatives, such as donor sperm or adoption.
He indicated that infertility affects many couples, but it is not the end of the road. With appropriate medical evaluation and emotional support, most men can receive help and go on to become fathers.
Raising awareness and breaking the stigma around male infertility is a step forward for men’s health, families, and communities alike.